Who We Are & What You'll Do

The Denver City Attorney’s Office, one of the largest and most diverse law firms in Colorado, serves as the legal adviser to the Mayor, City Council, City Auditor, City Clerk and Recorder and all City departments and agencies; represents and defends the City in legal matters; handles all suits initiated on behalf of the City and County of Denver and any of its departments and agencies; prosecutes violations of City ordinances; and provides counsel to elected officials and client agencies on charter interpretation and reform.

We’re proud to be a diverse, inclusive workplace that values different perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are motivated by meaningful public service, you’ll feel at home here.

The Denver City Attorney’s Office is seeking an Entry Assistant City Attorney to join the Child Welfare and Youth Services Unit within the Human Services Legal Services Section. This is an exceptional opportunity to engage in meaningful, high-impact legal work that directly impacts the lives of children, youth, and families across Denver.
 

As part of the team serving as in-house counsel to Denver Human Services (DHS), an agency that supports one in every three Denver residents, you will provide legal counsel and representation in matters involving child welfare and youth services. In this role, you will collaborate with dedicated professionals committed to protecting vulnerable children, strengthening families, and serving the community through compassionate and effective legal advocacy.

Denver Human Services is dedicated to strengthening the safety, stability, and independence of Denver residents. As a county‑administered, state‑supervised agency with nearly 1,100 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $300 million, DHS delivers a wide array of essential services that touch every corner of the community. Each year, the agency supports roughly 175,000 people, including children and families navigating crisis, older adults seeking support, individuals experiencing homelessness, adults with disabilities, and others in need of critical assistance. DHS works to connect clients with financial, social, and community resources that help them build safer, healthier, and more resilient lives.

Specifically, as an Entry Assistant City Attorney you will:

• Provide legal consultation and representation to Denver Human Services, including social workers and administrators, at every stage of Dependency and Neglect litigation in state trial and appellate courts.

• Prepare and support social workers in Juvenile Delinquency matters by drafting motions, conducting discovery, representing the City in hearings, and handling appellate briefing and oral argument.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to develop informed recommendations and guide critical decisions affecting children, youth, and families.

• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements and other legal documents to resolve cases effectively.

• Draft memoranda, motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents for judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.

• Conduct legal research and provide legal analysis, guidance, and recommendations to colleagues and clients.

• Assist attorneys in specialized practice areas with litigation, research, and related legal matters as needed.

• Perform other duties that support the mission and effectiveness of the Human Services Legal Services Section.

What You’ll Bring

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring a strong blend of expertise, leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to serving Denver’s children, youth, and families. We’re seeking attorneys who are motivated by meaningful work, skilled in advocacy, and passionate about advancing positive outcomes for young people in our community.

We are especially interested in attorneys who have:

• Experience, knowledge, or academic coursework in juvenile law.

• Time spent as an intern or clerk in a juvenile court or juvenile-focused legal practice;

• Mediation experience and/or a mediation certificate;

• Practical experience working with Youth Programs.

• An undergraduate degree or minor in Social Work, Juvenile Justice, Sociology, Political Science, or related fields.

• A background working with neighborhood-based work or restorative justice programs.

• Experience with programs connected to the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

• A strong commitment to public service and community-centered practice.

• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education requirement: Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree or Bachelor of Laws Degree.

• Experience Requirement: None

• Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted.

• License/Certifications: Possession of a license to practice law in Colorado from the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire or a reasonable expectation of becoming licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire in accordance with C.R.C.P. 203.2, 203.3, 203.4 and 205.6.

• Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until Sunday, September 27, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than August 27 at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration.